Five Potential Marijuana Relapse Triggers

Marijuana addiction is a chronic illness, so there is always the possibility of a relapse. There is no telling what exactly may cause a relapse, because there are many possible physical, psychological, social and environmental factors that can contribute. A relapse trigger can be anything that initiates thoughts, feelings, and memories associated with marijuana use. The relapse trigger will remind an individual of the drug and will create cravings or the desire to use. Relapse is not a single event, as it is a gradual process of returning to the addiction. A relapse trigger does not have to instantly cause an individual to start using marijuana, but it will incur thoughts about returning to drug use. Being aware and knowing what to look for when it comes to marijuana relapse triggers can help an individual avoid a relapse or setback on the road to recovery.

Causes of a Marijuana Relapse

Five of the most common potential marijuana relapse triggers include the following:

Being in the presence of marijuana. Those in recovery must avoid people, places and events that include marijuana and its use. It seems obvious, but being around marijuana is too tempting for any recovering user. This may require individuals to find new hobbies, friends and hangouts.

Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stressed. Anger, sadness, guilt, anxiety, fear, extreme joy or the longing to celebrate contribute to relapse. Stress and emotional stimulation may trigger old coping mechanisms that involved using marijuana to “deal” with strong feelings or stress.

Boredom. Having too much time to think about or romanticize using marijuana and the good times associated with use will create the desire to use marijuana again.

Complacency. Thinking you no longer have to work to maintain your sobriety can cause you to gradually fall into old addictive habits or put yourself in the wrong environment.

Abusing or using other drugs and alcohol. Using other mood altering substances can trigger old addiction-related thoughts and behaviors and initiate the desire to start using marijuana again.

There are many thoughts, actions, places and people that can trigger a return to marijuana use, and no one is safe from a marijuana relapse.

How You Can Avoid a Marijuana Relapse

The following are a few tips for avoiding marijuana relapse triggers:

Stay away from people, places and things associated with marijuana

Make new friends, find new interests, and surround yourself with things that support your recovery

Get rid of all your drug paraphernalia

Prepare yourself to say “no” ahead of time

Keep busy and enjoy your life

Eliminate dead time and the opportunity for boredom or unhappiness

Stay involved in your recovery by meeting with a sponsor or counselor and attending support groups

Exercise to stay busy and healthy and to produce mood-improving endorphins

If you need to make changes in your life, do so

You can take positive steps to get clean and maintain a healthy and marijuana-free life.

Find Recovery after Marijuana Abuse, Addiction or Relapse

If you are currently abusing marijuana, have relapsed or feel unsure of your recovery from marijuana abuse, we can help. Please call our toll-free helpline now to speak with a recovery counselor who can assist you in finding the services you need for a lifetime of recovery. Our counselors are ready to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you have questions, need advice or are looking for treatment or aftercare programs, we can help. A relapse does not have to be the end of your recovery journey. Please give us a call today.

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